AKP Phnom Penh, June 30, 2026 -- Cambodia has been named the world’s top nation for land and resource sustainability for 2026 by the prominent American media and research organization U.S. News & World Report, according to data released by regional media outlet SEA Infographics.

In the global rankings published on June 26, Cambodia secured the number one spot for "Land and Resource Sustainability," outperforming Slovenia and Paraguay, which ranked second and third, respectively.

Within Southeast Asia, Cambodia led the region, followed by Laos at sixth place and Myanmar at 16th globally.

The evaluation by U.S. News & World Report was based on five key indicators: carbon emission reduction, deforestation prevention, total area of protected natural zones, sustainable trade practices, and water scarcity response measures.

The top ranking reflects Cambodia's intensifying focus on land management, particularly forest conservation and natural resource protection across its designated sanctuaries. These efforts serve as crucial mechanisms for carbon sequestration and mitigating global climate change.

The assessment utilized data from highly credible international bodies, including the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the European Union’s Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL), and the World Bank.

Local analysts attribute the environmental milestone to the long-term strategic frameworks established under former Prime Minister and current Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, alongside the ongoing sustainable development policies implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet.

The achievement follows a prior recognition on May 13, 2026, when Cambodia was also ranked first globally as the country with the best natural environment.

By K. Rithy Reak